Post-doctoral fellows
Post-doctoral fellows (PDFs) at UVic make a vital impact by contributing to research while gaining hands-on training in Canada’s extraordinary academic environment.
A PDF will have a PhD, normally awarded in the 4 years immediately prior to the start of the first post-doctoral fellowship at the university.
A faculty member supervises a PDF, whether grant-funded or externally-funded (bringing their own funding).
The information below is for PDFs, faculty members supervising PDFs, host departments and research centres.
Policy & appointment procedures
Faculty members who supervise PDFs and those interested in becoming post-doctoral fellows should familiarize themselves with the policy and appointment procedures.
- refer to the information for prospective post-doctoral fellows
- view our appointment process summary
- read the frequently asked questions about appointing post-doctoral fellows
International PDFs
If you're a faculty supervisor wishing to recruit an international PDF or if you are a prospective international post-doctoral scholar, consider that getting the proper documentation can take time.
International PDFs who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada will need to apply for a work permit and/or visa in order to come to Canada for their fellowship.
Obtaining these documents is the PDF's responsibility and the process can take up to several months or more depending on where they are from.
- immigration guidelines to help plan for a PDF at UVic are available on the university's immigration website
- information on work permits and other requirements are available at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- PDFs should consult the Government of Canada’s immigration website for the latest information on new travel requirements
Funding
There are several external post-doctoral fellowship opportunities available. All external funding applications need to be approved internally before submission to the funding agency.
Check with your faculty grants officer to find out if a RASF is required.
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is the most prestigious and competitive postdoctoral award in Canada. The objective of the program is to attract top-tier postdoctoral trainees at an internationally competitive level to develop their leadership potential, positively contributing to Canada's economic, social and research-based growth.
A total of 70 fellowships are awarded each year, distributed equally between Canada's three tri-council agencies:
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Fellowships are valued at $70,000 CAD (taxable income) per year for 2 years.
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Program distinguishes itself from other postdoctoral fellowships programs by its emphasis on the synergy between:
- a top-tier candidate (their individual merit and potential to launch a successful research-intensive career); and
- the host institution (its commitment to the research program and environment with which the applicant is to be affiliated)
An applicant to the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Program must complete their application in full collaboration with the proposed supervisor and host institution. UVic will select and endorse only the highest-calibre postdoctoral candidates following an internal selection process.
Important dates
- UVic internal deadline (draft application): June 5, 2023, noon PT
- Results announced: mid-July 2023
- Banting external deadline (full application): September 2023 (TBC)
- Anticipated 2023-2024 competition launch: end of April 2023
If you're thinking of applying this year or are a potential supervisor, we recommend watching the info session from June 2022. Please contact your prospective supervisor if you do not have an NetLinkID in order to access the workshops page.
How to apply
- Applicants and supervisors must follow the UVic application process
- In the 2023 round, the UVic Banting pre-selection process and the UVic Aspiration 2030 Postdoctoral Fellowship program will use the same internal application form and timeline. Please indicate on the first page of the form which program(s) you are applying to.
Email us for more information on UVic's internal process for Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships.
The Aspiration Post-doctoral Fellowship program provides competitive match-funding for faculty to recruit outstanding new post-doctoral fellows to conduct the highest quality research at UVic.
Applications are due June 5, 2023
- two-year fellowship valued at $55,000 per year (plus $7,500 per year non-cash value in training)
- customized training in professional and R&D management skills
- long-term research project with a partner organization in the private or non-profit sector
- open to all disciplines
Visit the MITACS website or contact Nolan Beise for more information.
For potential funding opportunities, see our list of major funding competitions for post-doctoral fellowships in Canada.
Refer to individual funding websites for full details on:
- applicant eligibility
- application process
- application forms
All external funding applications, except for the standard SSHRC and NSERC postdoctoral fellowships, must be approved internally before submission to the funding agency.
- submit an electronic copy of your application together with a research summary application form (RASF) using our Research Administration Information System (RAIS) to ORS at least 1 week prior to the external deadline
- your academic supervisor must start the RASF as the principal investigator (PI) and add you as the principal applicant (PA) before you will have access to RAIS
The RASF requires the following signatures:
- research centre director, if applicable
- department chair or school director
- dean of faculty
Contact the research programs liaison or the PDF liaison for more information on UVic's external funding application process.
Advertising PDF positions
Are you a faculty member seeking a PDF, either paid by your grant or bringing your own external funding? Contact ORS for ideas on sharing PDF opportunities.
Email the following information:
- faculty member/supervisor’s name
- department/unit at which the PDF will be held
- a brief description in an email, electronic document (e.g., Word or Adobe PDF) or on a website (e.g., department, lab or personal research website) outlining the following:
- description of the PDF position
- salary/benefits
- how to apply (what to submit, and how)
- application deadline
Note: UVic does not have a central posting web page for advertising PDF positions.
Need help?
If you are currently a post-doctoral fellow at UVic, your supervisor is always your first point of contact for any questions. Or, email us.